Ginger Free Arugula & Herb Pesto
Bright, peppery arugula teams up with fragrant basil to create a pesto that's bold, herby, and completely vibrant — the kind of sauce that makes you want to drizzle it on absolutely everything. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice keeps it lively, while good extra-virgin olive oil ties the whole thing together into something silky and rich. Store-bought pestos can be a minefield when you're avoiding certain spices and warming flavors, but every single ingredient here is clean and straightforward, so you know exactly what you're getting. The optional pinch of turmeric adds a subtle earthiness and a gorgeous golden hue without any heat or bite — and it's easy to skip entirely if you prefer to keep things purely green. The food processor does most of the work in under a minute, making this one of the most effortless homemade condiments you can pull off. Toss it with pasta, spread it on crusty bread, spoon it over roasted vegetables, or use it as a dipping sauce — it's endlessly versatile and genuinely hard to stop eating.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 2 cups fresh arugula, packed
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the arugula, basil, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the greens are coarsely chopped and the garlic is broken down.
- 2
With the processor running, pour the olive oil in a slow, steady stream through the feed tube and process until the pesto is mostly smooth with a slightly textured consistency, about 20–30 seconds. Stop and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula as needed.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!